The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

His soft chuckle makes me scowl. “You’r

e right, I don’t. But, that’s because mine is a controlling tyrant. From what you’ve told me about yours, he’s a great father who’s made a few mistakes. Although, those mistakes have always been to provide for you and your sister.”

I gasp. “I can’t believe you’re defending him.”

“Despite your resentment, I hear the love in your voice every time you speak of him. If you adore him that much, he can’t be all that bad.”

The anger that was mounting seeps away with my long sigh. He’s right. I do adore my father and Noah Knight isn’t all bad. His actions may be warped but his intentions have always been pure. “I hate that you’re right.”

“I know. I bet your old man misses you.”

I huff. “You’re not going to stop campaigning for him, are you?”

“Nope.”

“Why? You don’t even know him.”

There’s a beat of silence before he replies, “No, but I see your guilt and misery whenever you mention not having seen him for a while. You can’t let your own anger stop you from fixing things with him, Abby. You’ll end up regretting it.”

Groaning, I bury my face in the crook of his neck. “Okay, I hear you and thank you for caring. But, can we stop talking about it? I want to enjoy my time here with you. We only have two days.”

“Fine. No more heavy topics for the rest of the weekend. Just you and me in paradise.”

I lift my head to smile at him, until he suggests, “Let’s go for a swim.” And nods to the ocean.

My smile fades. “Uh…”

“You have a fear of drowning, I know. I won’t let you, I promise.”

“You remembered.” I told him that the night we met. The night we thought we’d never see each other again yet, he remembered.

A boyish grin appears on his face. “I remember everything you say.”

My heart does several cartwheels before melting. It’s then I know for sure that I’m in love with Bryce.

Chapter Seventeen

Bryce

Getting away with Abby was a brilliant idea. I’ve had the best two days I’ve ever had in a long time. Spending time with her only leaves me craving more. Unfortunately, there’s only one more night left of our romantic weekend. One weekend isn’t enough. We need more time. I want to take her out to more restaurants, buy her more gifts?that I have to beg her to take. I want more nights of making slow passionate love on the beach, by the pool, in the pool?we’ve been very creative since we’ve been here.

“What are you thinking so hard about?”

Abby’s voice plucks me from my thoughts. The soft hum of the hot tub jets that had faded while I indulged in sensual memories comes back. I glance up at her and almost swallow my tongue. She’s changed into the skimpiest bikini I’ve seen her in yet. I wish I could live my life seeing her in those two pieces every day.

“That I want to stay here with you forever.”

She smiles. “Unfortunately, we’re going back to reality tomorrow.” She hands me one of the glasses of wine in her hands and steps into the tub.

“This can be our reality.”

Sliding closer, she tilts her head curiously. “What do you mean?”

“We can do this more often.”

“With my schedule? I don’t think so. And you have a job that you love.”

Sure I love my job but not as much as I love her. Gazing at her upturned face, I’m tempted to let her know. Instead, I suggest, “Maybe you don’t have to work.”